Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon

Name: Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 brownies
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/4 cup melted butter; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Oven Food

I absolutely adore these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon! They offer a unique twist on traditional brownies, thanks to the addition of cottage cheese, which adds a delightful creaminess. The gentle warmth of cinnamon simply elevates the flavor profile, making these treats perfect for any occasion. I've experimented with various ingredients, and this combination truly delivers a moist and rich brownie experience. Whether I am serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these brownies never fail to impress my family and friends.

Created by

Ivy Sanderson

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:45:35.693Z

Trying out these Cottage Cheese Brownies with Cinnamon was actually a fun culinary adventure for me. I was drawn to the idea of incorporating cottage cheese, which I typically reserve for savory dishes, into a sweet dessert. The result was surprisingly delightful, and the texture was moist and rich, unlike any brownie I'd made before. The added cinnamon totally transformed the flavor, making each bite cozy and comforting.

While mixing the ingredients, I learned that using room temperature cottage cheese helps it blend smoothly into the batter. This also prevents any lumps, ensuring a velvety consistency throughout. I've found that letting the brownies cool completely before slicing them results in cleaner, neater edges, making them perfect for serving. Enjoying them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can take the experience to a new level!

        Why You'll Love These Brownies
        Creamy texture thanks to the cottage cheese
A warm hint of cinnamon that spices things up
Perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors

      

The Role of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese adds a rich creaminess to these brownies without the added fat of traditional cream-based ingredients. Its protein content not only contributes to a satisfying texture but also helps keep the brownies moist. When blended until smooth, the cottage cheese becomes almost invisible, making it a delightful surprise for anyone biting into these delicious treats. This ingredient also makes the brownies slightly healthier, allowing you to indulge without feeling too guilty.

Using cottage cheese impacts the baking time as well. The moisture content can make brownies cook a little differently than those made with butter or oil alone. Keep an eye on the edges; they should turn slightly golden when the brownies are done. If you notice the center still looks moist after the recommended baking time, give them a couple more minutes, but be careful not to overbake.

Spice It Up with Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the secret ingredient that elevates these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary. It brings warmth and depth, reducing the need for excess sugar while enhancing the chocolate flavor. I like to use freshly ground cinnamon to achieve a more potent aroma and taste. If you're feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with other spices like nutmeg or espresso powder; they can complement the chocolate and create a unique flavor profile.

When mixing in the cinnamon, consider sifting it with the dry ingredients to avoid clumping. This helps distribute the spice evenly throughout the batter, ensuring every bite is infused with that delightful warmth. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon also lends itself beautifully to serving these brownies slightly warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After you've enjoyed your brownies, you might wonder about the best way to store them. Keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature will maintain their moist texture for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, although be mindful that this may affect the texture slightly. To freeze, individual portions can be wrapped tightly and stored for up to three months—just thaw them at room temperature when you're ready to indulge again.

These brownies are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Try drizzling them with a simple chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of sea salt for added flavor contrast. I also love adding crushed nuts or chocolate chips on top before baking for an extra layer of texture. You can even cut them into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats at gatherings—perfectly portable and sure to please!

Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly for an even batter.

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Pour and Bake

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.

Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top or alongside your favorite scoop of ice cream!

Pro Tips

For a richer flavor, try adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking. These brownies also freeze well, making them perfect for prepping ahead!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your brownies turning out too dense, double-check your measurements for ingredients like flour and cocoa powder; excess can lead to a chewy texture rather than the desired fudginess. Also, make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, resulting in a less desirable outcome.

Conversely, if your brownies are too dry, they may have overbaked. Remember to check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. If you find yourself with dry brownies, a generous scoop of ice cream on top can help to enhance the experience and offer creaminess that balances out the drier texture.

Ingredients Substitutions

Feel free to make substitutions based on your dietary needs. For a dairy-free version, swap the cottage cheese for a vegan alternative, such as blended silken tofu or cashew cream. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the brownie’s flavor and texture, so some experimentation may be required to perfect the mix.

Additionally, if you're looking to reduce sugar, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Just be aware that liquid sweeteners can affect the batter's consistency. If you do make this substitution, you might need to adjust the amount of flour slightly to avoid a runny mixture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but it may slightly alter the texture.

→ How should I store leftover brownies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

→ Can I substitute an ingredient?

You can swap the sugar for a sugar substitute, but it may affect the texture and sweetness.

→ What can I serve with these brownies?

They are delicious on their own, but pair beautifully with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries.